Home buying help available

FINDLAY — With home prices and mortgage rates higher, the Ohio Treasurer's Office offers a program to help people afford a home purchase. State Treasurer Robert Sprague, of Findlay, and Gov. Mike DeWine have created savings accounts with above-market rates and possible state income tax deductions for those eyeing a home purchase. Ohio Homebuyer Plus can help people save money for the down payment or closing costs of a home purchase. Accounts connected with Ohio Homebuyer Plus must be used within five years, maintain a minimum balance of at least $100, and cannot exceed a maximum balance of $100,000. To participate, prospective homebuyers work with a participating bank or credit union to apply for a savings account through Ohio Homebuyer Plus. Once the account has been opened and the Ohio Homebuyer Plus application has been approved, the Treasurer's Office makes its own deposit at the financial institution and the interest earned on that deposit is passed on to the accountholder to achieve an enhanced rate. The enhanced interest rate is updated on a quarterly basis. Contributions by the homebuyer or certain family members may be tax deductible from the contributor's Ohio income tax. Participating institutions include: Citizens National Bank, branches in Findlay, Bluffton; First National Bank, branches in Findlay, Ottawa, Bluffton, Pandora; First National Bank of Sycamore, branches in Sycamore, Tiffin, New Riegel, McCutchenville; Hancock Federal Credit Union, Findlay; State Bank, branches in Findlay, Bowling Green; Superior Credit Union, branches in Fostoria, Tiffin, Ottawa, Kenton; The Union Bank Co., branches in Findlay, Leipsic, Kalida, Ottawa, Columbus Grove, Bowling Green; Your Legacy Federal Credit Union, Tiffin.